dot-to-dot Pebbled beaches sprinkled with spring-break enthusiasts may be the best place to spot a trend this season

Trend spotting. It’s what I do. But this season, the trend is spotting. As I set off in search of spring-break attire for shoppers heading to warmer climes, I saw lots and lots of dots.

If you’re headed to Cancun, you’re going to need luggage – something small (swimwear, flip-flops and shorts don’t take up much space) but roomy enough to bring back a few souvenirs. The cutest I’ve seen is the Roxy rolling duffel ($125) at PacSun.

But what to pack?

AE’s soft short-sleeve blouses with pintuck pleats and a ruffled placket are too cute to pass up – and suitable for gals of all ages and sizes. At Macy’s, American Rag has a floaty tank covered with a tamer version of Wonder Bread’s signature spots ($29). I love it. I love it even more layered over a fitted gray and white dotted tank from AE ($17.50).

Gap’s brown suede flip-flops get a burst of brilliance from a brightly spotted sole ($19.50). And if you’re into spring’s more preppy looks, you’ll want to stock up on polka-dotted head bands and hair wraps from Gap, Claire’s, New York & Co. and Target.

This is an easy way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe without overdoing it – or breaking the budget. Ditto for the brightly colored plastic beaded necklaces that are available pretty much everywhere right now. I like the beads from Tilt at PacSun ($7.50 for three necklaces), and Claire’s is always a great option for inexpensive costume jewelry.

But let’s get back to the beach for a moment, shall we?

American Eagle has the requisite itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny coral polka dot bikini (and one in turquoise, too). Add a matching canvas tote and a pair of distressed Bermudas and you’re good to go – to Florida, that is.

And if beach blanket bingo is what you’re after, I have an even better alternative: beach blanket Twister. Target has beach towels printed with the game – spinner included. The best part? It only costs $9.99.

No matter where you look, it’s easy to shop for warm-weather vacation gear. All you need to do is connect the dots.

ShopNotes

There’s still time left to enter the great ShopGirl giveaway of skin care products worth more than $200. To enter, you’ll need the secret word, which is posted on my blog: http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4. Send the word, along with your name, address and contact information from the e-mail link on the blog, or to the address below. Good luck, and as always, happy shopping!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Visit ShopGirl’s blog at http://community.bangordailynews.com/blog/4.